Dr. Kara Jolin was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. From an early age, she demonstrated a natural skill set in engaging with children and establishing relationships that have a foundation in trust and acceptance. In high school, her involvement in a program for children with special needs culminated in an award from the children, parents, and teachers acknowledging her dedication and contributions. This deep interest in the wellness of children led to her completion of an honours undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Calgary. Dr. Jolin’s post-secondary education continued at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, where she completed a Master’s and PhD in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Jolin’s graduate program, which was accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association, provided in-depth education and training in psychopathology, assessment, and therapy for individuals across the life span. Dr. Jolin’s long-term goal was to specialize in working with children, adolescents, and families and consequently she chose to complete most of her clinical work in pediatric hospital settings. During her clinical practica, Dr. Jolin conducted comprehensive psychological assessments and provided therapy for children and adolescents ages 3 to 18 who presented with a variety of mental health issues. She had the opportunity to enhance her clinical skills by completing her training in a variety of pediatric psychology programs such as the Back on Track Preschool Program (Department of Psychology, Montreal Children’s Hospital), the Child Psychiatry Outpatient Department (Jewish General Hospital in Montreal), and the Applied Psychology Center (Concordia University, Montreal). Dr. Jolin further refined her clinical skill set by completing a one year full-time internship at The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa, Ontario (APA and CPA accredited). During this internship, Dr. Jolin worked in Medical Psychology to provide assessment, consultation, individual therapy, and group therapy for pediatric inpatients and outpatients who presented with both medical and mental health issues. She also provided psychological services for children/youth and families within the Outpatient Mental Health Clinics (i.e., Mood and Anxiety Team, Dual Diagnosis team) and Crisis Intervention Services. In addition, Dr. Jolin became proficient at solution-focused family therapy (Family Therapy Program) and she further developed her research skills by conducting a program evaluation research project within the Behavioral Neurosciences and Consultation/Liaison Team.
Upon completion of her PhD, Dr. Jolin was employed full-time for 5 years at the Alberta Children’s Hospital within the Rheumatology, Orthopedics, and Juvenile Amputee Clinics. As the psychologist within these multidisciplinary teams, Dr. Jolin provided assessment, consultation, individual therapy, and group therapy for children and adolescents who were dealing with chronic or acute medical conditions as well as various psychological problems (e.g., anxiety, depression, adjustment issues). While working at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, Dr. Jolin also supervised clinical psychology graduate students and she served as the psychology representative on the hospital ethics committee.
In her private practice, Dr. Jolin continues to be passionate about working with children, adolescents, and families to help them overcome their challenges, feel good about themselves, and thrive in their day-to-day lives.
Upon completion of her PhD, Dr. Jolin was employed full-time for 5 years at the Alberta Children’s Hospital within the Rheumatology, Orthopedics, and Juvenile Amputee Clinics. As the psychologist within these multidisciplinary teams, Dr. Jolin provided assessment, consultation, individual therapy, and group therapy for children and adolescents who were dealing with chronic or acute medical conditions as well as various psychological problems (e.g., anxiety, depression, adjustment issues). While working at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, Dr. Jolin also supervised clinical psychology graduate students and she served as the psychology representative on the hospital ethics committee.
In her private practice, Dr. Jolin continues to be passionate about working with children, adolescents, and families to help them overcome their challenges, feel good about themselves, and thrive in their day-to-day lives.